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— CH. 1 · BORN IN NATAL —

Ramdas Gandhi

~1 min read · Ch. 1 of 5
5 sections
  • Ramdas Mohandas Gandhi entered the world on the 4th of May 1897 in the British Colony of Natal. He was the third son born to Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi. Two older brothers named Harilal and Manilal preceded him. A younger brother named Devdas followed later. The family lived within a complex structure that shaped his early years.

  • He grew up on one of his father's ashram-farms in South Africa. As an adult, Ramdas would tend to deprecate the idealistic poverty imposed by his father on all associates. He had no taste for asceticism or self-denial. He considered his father's lifestyle nothing more than a personal fetish. This choice caused inconvenience to others including the entire Gandhi family.

  • Despite his views on poverty, he remained a passionate nationalist and freedom fighter. He participated actively in the grueling civil protests of the 1930s led by his father. The British authorities imprisoned him numerous times during these campaigns. These prolonged stints in jail had serious effects on his health. His physical condition deteriorated under the harsh conditions of confinement.

  • At his father's funeral, Ramdas Gandhi was the one who lit the funeral pyre. He had desired this role before the event occurred. He was joined at the ceremony by his younger brother Devdas Gandhi. The act marked a final moment of connection between the two men. It concluded their shared history as sons of Mahatma Gandhi.

  • He died in 1969 at the age of 72 years old. Before his death, he married Nirmala Gandhi. They had three children together including Kanu Gandhi and Sumitra Kulkarni. Their lives continued after his passing. The lineage carried forward from the third son of Mahatma Gandhi to the next generation.

Common questions

When was Ramdas Gandhi born?

Ramdas Mohandas Gandhi entered the world on the 4th of May 1897 in the British Colony of Natal. He was the third son born to Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi.

Where did Ramdas Gandhi grow up?

He grew up on one of his father's ashram-farms in South Africa. The family lived within a complex structure that shaped his early years.

Why did Ramdas Gandhi dislike asceticism?

As an adult, Ramdas would tend to deprecate the idealistic poverty imposed by his father on all associates. He had no taste for asceticism or self-denial and considered his father's lifestyle nothing more than a personal fetish.

Who lit the funeral pyre at Mahatma Gandhi's funeral?

At his father's funeral, Ramdas Gandhi was the one who lit the funeral pyre. He had desired this role before the event occurred and was joined at the ceremony by his younger brother Devdas Gandhi.

How many children did Ramdas Gandhi have with Nirmala Gandhi?

Before his death, he married Nirmala Gandhi and they had three children together including Kanu Gandhi and Sumitra Kulkarni. Their lives continued after his passing.